July 29, 2025

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Learning from God’s Creation
Commentary
October 17, 2018
Learning from God’s Creation

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible”— Hebrew 11:3(NIV). Each day, weather

A Matter of Faith

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible”— Hebrew 11:3(NIV).

Each day, weather permitting, I like taking a walk through my lakeside neighborhood. I’ve always had an affinity for the outdoors, whether working in my yard or just inhaling God’s goodness.

Being outside brings a sense of peace that all is right with the world, easing my concerns for those things over which I really have no control. It reminds me God is not only the Creator of the universe, He is still in charge.

While I enjoy each season, this time of year is my favorite. With its brilliant displays of red, orange and yellow against a backdrop of fading green, the scene greeting me each fall day rapidly changes as the trees release their leaves. How different is this time of year than the spring and summer when flowers last much longer if they are tended carefully.

Fall is a reminder to me of the brevity of life. Once the leaves start changing, they don’t hang around very long. No amount of watering or fertilizing can prolong their life.

Another reminder of this season, the squirrels are scampering to bury acorns for the winter ahead. Their playful antics as the weather changes hint that I might be taking life too seriously sometimes. I witnessed a joyful scene recently between two of these bushy-tailed creatures. I was at my desk focused on my writing. My peripheral vision caught the blurred motion of activity outside my office window.

Looking up, I couldn’t help laughing as I watched two squirrels engaged in a kung-fu like activity. They weren’t fighting over acorns. Instead their playful activities evolved into a chase around my yard and up and around the massive oak trees soon to be bare of foliage.

This seasonal change also means I will be changing out my hummingbird feeders for ones full of seeds and suet. I love watching the different species of birds visiting and fighting over the sustenance I have provided for them. They remind me of greedy people who think they won’t get their share; therefore, they push ahead in line to make sure they’re not overlooked. Ah, but God can provide for us if we only release our needs to Him.

With this season, daylight hours are shorter, bringing with it the necessity to turn lights on earlier. For me, it’s a reminder to slow down from the hectic pace of summer to savor this time in all its glory, God’s glory. He created each season with a purpose, just as the seasons of our life bring change.

George Washington Carver once said, “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.”

To be aware of God’s creation, one must already believe in His existence. That doesn’t mean an unbeliever can’t appreciate nature. It’s our faith in a Creator God that reveals His fingerprints all around us. Believe and see.

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New HPS Board Member Welcomed
A: Main, Lifestyle...
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
July 26, 2025
Willem Vandenborn is welcomed by Henryetta Public Schools Superintendent Jason Price after he was sworn in to fill the Ward 2 seat on the HPS board. The action came during a special meeting Thursday, ...
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Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
A: Main, Lifestyle...
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
July 25, 2025
Patrons Bank is urging the community to be on high alert as phone scams targeting bank customers continue to rise across the country - and right here at home.Scammers are spoofing legitimate bank phon...
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Christmas in July is today
A: Main, Main...
Christmas in July is today
July 25, 2025
Downtown Henryetta is set to come alive with holiday spirit and summer sunshine today, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presents its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event, scheduled fr...
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A: Main
Back-to-School excitement builds
July 25, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year quickly approaches, Henryetta Public Schools and Dewar Public Schools are rolling out the red carpet for students and families with a series of exciting back-t...
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
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The City of Henryetta has announced that the Main Street railroad crossing is currently closed to all traffic. Residents needing to cross the tracks are encouraged to use the Trudgeon Street crossing ...
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
A: Main
Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
July 25, 2025
Shoppers across Okmulgee County and throughout the state will soon get a much-needed break on back-to-school expenses, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through...
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Editor Picks
A: Main
Historical Museum open Saturday
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum continues to welcome guests through its doors this summer with its special every-other-weekend schedule - and this Saturday is no exception. The museum will be open Jul...
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News
OCEM Report
July 25, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
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Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
News
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
Planning is in full swing for the much-anticipated 2025 Okmulgee County Fair, with the event officially set to take place Sept. 4-6 at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.Members of the Fair Volunteer Com...
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Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
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Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held a lively and productive meeting on Thursday, July 17, at The Shack 2.0, welcoming new members, celebrating local heritage and preparing for several key community events o...
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Preston Schools announces Child Nutrition Program
July 25, 2025
Preston Public Schools announced they are participating in free lunch and/or breakfast program for the 2026 school year. All students enrolled in the district or the listed sites may participate in th...
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